subject: Asthma Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment In Dogs [print this page] Asthma in dogs is a rare occurrenceAsthma in dogs is a rare occurrence. Dogs are more than often diagnosed with this ailment. The symptoms are more likely seen in the form of wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and almost all kinds of similar experiences that humans face when they suffer from Asthma attacks. Immediately get in touch with the vet if you find your pet suffering from such symptoms.
How is asthma in dogs diagnosed?
In order to determine whether or not your canine is suffering from this respiratory ailment, the veterinarian must first try and rule out the possibility or occurrence of any other disease. Some of them may include:
- Kennel cough Infection
- Trachea collapse
- Paralyzed larynx
- Cardiovascular disease Heart
- Lung worms Fungus
- Lung tumors
First, your dog will undergo a physical examination conducted by the vet, who may then order a chest x-ray and bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy involves retrieving a tissue sample to be analyzed under a microscope. After testing is completed and if no other reasons for your dog's symptoms can be found, the diagnosis is usually asthma. You vet will prescribe asthma medications for your pet to see of these improve symptoms. If they do, then it is a good probability your dog has asthma.
What's the treatment and cure?
The main objective of the treatment is to bring about a reduction in the asthma symptoms and maintain a healthy living for your pet. If the vet diagnosed asthma in your pet, the treatments include:
Antihistamines - Brings about a reduction in the mucus that have deposited in the airways - Controllng inflammation - It also helps to bring about a reduction in the swelling, which is usually associated with asthma attacks. Any of the above combinations.
All these medications are taken in the form of pills or inhalers. The dogs are usually required to inhale with the help of a mask that is put over its nose and mouth. At the time your dog inhales, the amount of medication that has been prescribed earlier is squeezed and put into the spacer. However, it must be kept in mind that the dosage that has been presribed by the vet is strictly for your individual pet. It may vary in case of other pets you have at your home. An adjustment of dosages is required till the time, a perfect combination can be matched upon.
In case of severe asthma attacks, you may need to inject your dog with a dose of epinephrine. This is an urgent treatment that you can resort to in case of severe attacks. It will help reduce the swelling or inflammation associated with such attacks. Your vet will provide you with required training on injecting your dog if situation arises.
Dogs suffering from asthma are highly preventable and treatable. When you see your pet suffering from early symptoms, you may consult your vet right away rather than waiting for the time when the situations worsen and you become helpless in saving the life of your pet.
